Literary notes about idiosyncrasy (AI summary)
The term "idiosyncrasy" in literature has long served as a versatile descriptor for unique, defining characteristics—whether those pertain to thought, style, or intrinsic personality traits. Philosophers and literary figures alike have invoked the word to emphasize individuality and exceptionality. For instance, Nietzsche uses it to argue that institutions like marriage cannot be built on such peculiarities ([1]) and to delineate distinctive moral qualities ([2]), while Whitman praises a certain range of idiosyncrasy in poetic expression ([3]). Moreover, writers like Poe employ the term to capture the elusive, dreamlike quality of experience ([4]), and Hardy applies it to articulate the singular constitution of a town or village ([5]). Across these varied contexts, "idiosyncrasy" conveys not only what is unique or odd but also what fundamentally distinguishes one idea, person, or place from another.
- No institution ever has been nor ever will be built upon an idiosyncrasy; as I say, marriage cannot be based upon "love."
— from The Twilight of the Idols; or, How to Philosophize with the Hammer. The Antichrist by Nietzsche - The definition of morality; Morality is the idiosyncrasy of decadents, actuated by a desire to avenge themselves with success upon life.
— from Ecce Homo by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche - Never indeed was there truer utterance in a certain range of idiosyncrasy than by this poet.
— from Complete Prose Works by Walt Whitman - What I saw—what I heard—what I felt—what I thought—had about it nothing of the unmistakable idiosyncrasy of the dream.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe - X Every village has its idiosyncrasy, its constitution, often its own code of morality.
— from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman by Thomas Hardy
